City firm to help build Shetland tidal turbine

THE world’s first community-owned tidal turbine will be made and deployed in Scotland after a deal was reached between Leith-based Nova Innovation Ltd and Steel Engineering in Renfrew.

First Minister Alex Salmond said the two companies had agreed to manufacture a tidal turbine that will be connected to the grid and provide electricity to people in one of the most remote parts of Scotland.

The Nova-30 device, to be used by the North Yell community in Shetland to power a local ice plant and industrial estate, will be made for Nova Innovation in Steel Engineering’s newly expanded Renfrew facility.

Mr Salmond said: “Scotland is leading the way in the development of marine renewables, and yesterday’s announcement that the world’s first community-owned turbine is to be manufactured and deployed on these shores is a truly fantastic endorsement of our burgeoning renewables sector.”

Simon Forrest, director of Nova Innovation, added: “Nova Innovation is delighted to announce this important milestone which will help accelerate the growth of our business and significantly advance marine energy in Scotland.

“We see significant potential for tidal arrays for other communities across Scotland.”